Underwater video analysis as a non-destructive alternative to electrofishing for sampling imperilled headwater stream fishes

摘要: Traditionally headwater streams are surveyed using electrofishing, a potentially harmful sampling method. Increasingly scientists seeking out the least destructive stream methods, especially when imperilled fishes. It is therefore imperative that efficacy of alternative, non-destructive methods be investigated. This study investigated potential for underwater video analysis (UWVA) as an alternative to electrofishing assessing diversity and relative abundance fishes in clear, relatively shallow (<1.5 m) streams. Detection rates UWVA were higher than with estimates between two significantly correlated, attractive effect camera was negligible logistically feasible small streams. These results have clear conservation implications it demonstrated suitable method estimating small, streams. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.